Publix cuts grocery bag use by 2 billion

May 11, 2012

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has achieved the eco milestone of saving more than 2 billion grocery bags since mid 2007. The company said it achieved this goal by training front service clerks and cashiers to increase the number of items per bag, implementing bag reduction goals for each store, holding communication campaigns to encourage the use of reusable bags and donating reusable bags to non-profits and partner organizations throughout the Southeast.

“At Publix, we are fortunate to have customers and associates who are committed to sustaining our environment,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “That’s why we focus on the responsible use of environmental resources, and offering our customers and associates options when choosing paper, plastic or reusable bags.”

The company has offered in-store recycling of paper and plastic bags since the mid-1970s and introduced its first 99 cent reusable bags in mid-2007. Since the introduction, more than 21 million reusable bags have been sold at Publix locations.

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